16 confirmed dead as Lassa fever hits Benue

Benue State has been confronted with a troubling surge in the mortality rate of Lassa fever, resulting in the loss of 16 lives, according to recent reports.

Similalrly, the state has been identified as the top-ranking region for tuberculosis (TB) cases within the North Central Zone and holds the sixth position nationwide.

During a press conference in Makurdi on Monday, Dr. Yanmar Ortese, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, unveiled these alarming figures in observance of the 2024 World Health Day.

Dr. Ortese disclosed that over 50,000 individuals from the most vulnerable segments of the population have been enrolled in the State Health Insurance Scheme under the basic health care fund program, aiming to enhance healthcare access across the state. Furthermore, an additional 5,500 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been included in the Health Insurance Scheme, targeting improved healthcare provisions for marginalized groups.

The pressing need for a state-of-the-art Molecular Laboratory to bolster disease surveillance and response capabilities was underscored by Dr. Ortese. He remarked, “Our efforts against tuberculosis (TB) continue, with the State ranking 6th in the country and 1st in the North Central zone.”

Dr. Ortese called upon stakeholders from various sectors, including government, international partners, the private sector, and civil society, to join forces in fortifying the state’s health system to meet the escalating demands of its substantial population.

Regarding the Lassa Fever outbreak, the commissioner revealed that the state had reported 820 cases, out of which 63 were confirmed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 16 lives. Presently, two individuals are undergoing treatment and are in stable condition.

Dr. Ortese shed light on the challenges faced, particularly the absence of a functional public health Molecular Laboratory, stating, “We are dealing with the largest Fever outbreak in the history of our State.”

In a separate address, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the Regional Director of the World Health Organization for Africa (WHO), represented by Dr. Mohammed Abdulkarim, WHO State Coordinator, emphasized the critical need to consider vulnerable groups in health programs.

Dr. Moeti stressed the importance of integrating their needs into health initiatives at all levels to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Care (UHC). He highlighted persistent challenges such as conflicts, climate change, food security, disease outbreaks, and epidemics, which continue to impede access to quality essential health services for many in the region.

Dr. Moeti expressed concern, “The number of people aged 15 and over living with HIV remains high, estimated at 24.3 million in 2021 (3.4% of the total population), compared to 15.6 million in 2005. This underscores the persistent transmission of HIV despite reductions in new infections and the positive impact of expanded access to anti-retroviral treatment.”